Minnesota
rookie Twins Catcher, Chris Heintz, was born August
6, 1974, in Syosset, New York. He was a 1992 graduate
of Countryside High School (FL). He graduated
from the University of South Florida as an Academic
All-Star with a degree in Economics and also as
the school's all-time leader in batting (.351),
hits (259) and RBI's (181).
Chris's journey to the big leagues began in 1996 when
he was drafted by the White Sox in the 19th round. He
remained in the Sox’ minor league system until
2001, when he was released after a sub par, injury-riddled
season. At age 27, with only five games at the Triple
A level under his belt, his career was at a crossroads.
“My lowest point was probably my last year with
the White Sox (organization),” the Florida native
commented. “I hardly played at all and they ended
up releasing me after the year was over. So, I think
that was my lowest point because I basically had to
call the teams myself and find a job.”
Fortunately for Chris, the Cardinals answered the phone
and assigned him to their Double A affiliate in New Haven,
CT. A free agent following the season, he was signed by
Pittsburgh and spent the 2003 season at Double A Altoona.
After one season there, the journeyman catcher inked a
deal with the Twins.
In 2004, he finally made the jump
to Triple A Rochester and played well. He hit
.304 and was named the team’s MVP in a fan
poll. Despite his success, Chris had little hope
of receiving a long awaited big league call-up.
The reason – red tape – he was not
on the 40-man roster. It was during that time
that he considered giving up the game.
Chris’s perseverance finally paid off on
September 11th. A late edition to the line-up
after Mike Redmond was scratched with a foot injury,
the career minor leaguer made his first big league
start in Cleveland, on national television nonetheless.
That night, he collected his long-awaited first
big league hit. “It was great just to get
up here and get into the record books permanently
- I played, I got my hit,” he said of the
milestone. “It just made everyday down in
the minors worth it.” He ended up playing
7 games filling in for starting catcher, Joe Mauer.
Despite the memorable month, Chris
Heintz’s future remains as uncertain as
ever, “If they keep me on the 40 man (roster),
I will be here,” he pointed out. “If
they take me off, I’ll be a free agent and
see what happens all over again.
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